- Must visit
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Ankara’s premier archaeology museum, displaying major finds from Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian and earlier Anatolian cultures in restored Ottoman buildings near the castle.
Cheapest price
$27
Average price
$30
Fastest journey
6 h 24 m
Average duration
6 h 25 m
Buses per day
23
Distance
352 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Istanbul to Ankara is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Istanbul to Ankara will cost around $30 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $27.
Of the 23 buses that leave Istanbul for Ankara on Mon, May 25, 23 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 25 the direct buses cover the 352 km distance in an average of 6 h 25 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 24 m .
On Mon, May 25 the slowest buses will take 6 h 25 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
FlixBus
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FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Istanbul to Ankara among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.4 - 0.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $20, and a flight costs an average of $28.
Distance: 218 miles (352 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$25 Average price Cheapest | $51 Average price | $81 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 42m Average total duration 7h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.1 - 2.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Istanbul to Ankara:
A bus is $25 (€21) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Istanbul to Ankara costing on average $51 (€41).
Other travel options to Ankara take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 12m.
Tickets start at around $25 (€20) compared to roughly $81 (€66) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $56 (€45). The journey takes 7h 12m versus 4h 22m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus, Infobus, Has Turizm, Kale Seyahat, Varan Turizm.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:20AM | Arrival Time 06:44AM | Duration 6h24 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:20AM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:20AM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 12:15PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 12:15PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:55PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 02:45AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20PM | Arrival Time 02:45AM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:58PM | Arrival Time 06:03AM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 06:44AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
The table below shows live departures for Istanbul to Ankara buses for today, Sunday, May 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 6:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 6h45 | 12:45 AM Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 6:20 PM İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 6h25 | 12:45 AM Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 6h45 | 2:45 AM Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:20 PM İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 6h25 | 2:45 AM Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 6h45 | 3:45 AM Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:20 PM İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 6h25 | 3:45 AM Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, May 25 | |||||
FlixBus | 12:20 AM İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 6h24 | 6:44 AM Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 6h45 | 8:45 AM Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:20 AM İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 6h25 | 8:45 AM Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:30 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 6h45 | 12:15 PM Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:50 AM İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 6h25 | 12:15 PM Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 7h00 | 2:00 PM Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 10h10 | 5:10 PM Ankara, D200 (Kayaş - Ateşçi Av Malzemeleri) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:20 AM İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 6h40 | 2:00 PM Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:25 AM İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 9h45 | 5:10 PM Ankara, D200 (Kayaş - Ateşçi Av Malzemeleri) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 6h45 | 7:45 PM Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:20 PM İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 6h25 | 7:45 PM Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 6h45 | 8:45 PM Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:20 PM İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 6h25 | 8:45 PM Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 3:30 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 8h00 | 11:30 PM Ankara | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 4:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 6h45 | 10:45 PM Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 4:20 PM İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 6h25 | 10:45 PM Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 6h45 | 11:45 PM Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Istanbul to Ankara run on average 44 times per day, taking around 7h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 (€16) if you book in advance.
There are 44 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:58. The fastest bus covers the 218 miles (352 km) distance in 6h 25m.
Distance 218 miles (352 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€16) |
Buses per day 44 |
Direct buses 44 |
Fastest bus 6h 25m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Ankara — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ankara trip today.
Ankara’s premier archaeology museum, displaying major finds from Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian and earlier Anatolian cultures in restored Ottoman buildings near the castle.
A fine arts museum in a historic Turkish Hearth building, known for important works of modern Turkish painting and sculpture plus periodic exhibitions.
A contemporary art center in a converted railway workshop, popular for modern exhibitions, photography, design events and a more current creative scene.
A restored historic quarter with Ottoman-era houses, pedestrian lanes and photogenic streetscapes that have become very popular for evening walks and social media.
The atmospheric lanes around the castle are lined with restored houses, craft shops and viewpoints, making this one of the city’s best walking areas.
One of central Ankara’s best-known walking streets, lively with shops and urban energy, and a convenient base for exploring nearby parks and side streets.
A classic Ankara specialty of lamb or mutton baked with arpa şehriye or rice, valued for its rich meat juices and hearty home-style flavor.
A slow-cooked meat stew from Beypazarı, traditionally baked in an earthenware pot until tender. It is one of the region’s best-known celebratory dishes.
A famous dry, crunchy biscuit-like bread from Beypazarı, often eaten with tea. It is one of Ankara Province’s most recognizable traditional baked goods.
Well-known upscale seafood restaurant with polished service and a refined dining room, popular for meze and fish in Ankara.
Long-established Antep-style restaurant famous for kebabs, lahmacun, and baklava, offering a lively and dependable family-friendly setting.
Established traditional lokanta known for classic Turkish home-style dishes, soups, stews, and Ankara favorites in a simple, busy atmosphere.
Generally affordable for tourists. Meals, coffee, and local transport are low cost, while hotels and upscale dining vary by area and season.
Around 5-10% in casual restaurants and 10% in nicer places if service is not included. Round up taxis. Small tips for hotel staff are appreciated.
Official public transport app
Ankara Şehirler Arası Otobüs Terminali -> Kızılay
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Istanbul to Ankara by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Ankara, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need